Hotel Cordée des Alpes

The Hotel Cordée des Alpes is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is the only Verbier locale to have received a key from Michelin, as part of their new classification system. It’s a nod to the hotel’s uniquely discreet luxury, which beautifully marries Alpine authenticity, technology and modern design.

Its large, southern-facing façade basks in sunshine, enveloped by a forest of ornate balconies, as the snow-covered peaks of the Combins rise majestically in the distance on the other side of the valley. Behind this beautiful wooden shell beats a resolutely Alpine heart, with cozy rooms built from a host of local materials — including elegantly rustic hardwood floors, cabinets and furniture that recall the timeless charm of region’s most majestic chalets. Superior rooms with balconies. Deluxe rooms with an additional living area and some that even have a purring fireplace, complete with a basket of reserve firewood to keep the fire going. And still a level above, Elegance rooms and Suites, which offer vast amounts of space.

On the upper floors, a handful of apartments (from 75 to 200 m2) set the stage, offering the same cozy harmony in an even larger format — the newest of which includes three bedrooms, a living room with a stone fireplace and a large white, snow-inspired rug. The mountain Lofts elegantly merge tradition and urban influences, reinforced by club-style armchairs and deer antler chandeliers. And of course, it’s all set before a snowy backdrop featuring the radiant Swiss Alps as the star of the show. The lighting is filtered, and the bathrooms are beautiful, built with the clean tiling designs of the 1900s. The bath products are organic, the duvets are goose down, and the staff is attentive, professional, kind and friendly, all at the same time.

Pampered therapy
In that same contemporary yet timeless spirit, the splendid 15-metre swimming pool (heated to 29-30°C), which is the centrepiece of the Spa by La Cordée, unfurls beneath a wooden cathedral-style roof, offering a warm cocoon amongst the carved wooden shutters and an open fireplace. A large jacuzzi beckons from one corner, across from the relaxation zones, and just a few steps from the sauna and hammam. The Cinq Mondes branded treatments offer benefits derived from some the world’s most proven traditions — ayurvedic and Polynesian massage, eastern scrubs with black soap, Tahitian monoï or cinnamon and nutmeg essential oils.

In this calm haven, wellness is the mantra, and all your desires are on the agenda. Want to reserve the space in the evening for a private duo? Fantastic idea. Want to experience the spa for a few hours, even if you’re not staying at the hotel? Absolutely possible. Two hours of spa access is included with any 50- to 80-minute treatment. There are even (new) massages for children and the Day Spa, including a gourmet breakfast or a light lunch, which is ideal… unless you wish to be massaged the entire morning!

Authentic dining
This winter, the hotel’s flagship Restaurant La Cordée has transformed into a chic and welcoming brasserie that’s largely focused on local, seasonal produce. Pike perch and trout gravlax. Verbier tomme served with fire-roasted vegetables. Free-range, black-legged chicken from Gruyère. Veal chop with scotch bonnet mushrooms… It’s as local as possible and is prepared with respect for age-old traditional recipes and lessons learned over time. The wine cellar is richly well-stocked, and the bar boasts well-crafted classic cocktails.

Michelin’s choice
No detail is neglected. Here, the clients’ comfort is the golden rule, expressed as electric bikes in the summer, an in-house ski shop, or even free shuttles to the ski slopes. Surely all part of the reason why Michelin chose Hotel Cordée (along with 86 other Swiss establishments) to be part of their new, high-class ranking system — the only hotel in Verbier to receive the distinction. “It’s an incredible honour that we are delighted to receive”, said General Manager José Esteban. “This award reflects our commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for our guests and is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion displayed by our entire team. We no doubt owe this distinction to our attention to detail, our personalised approach to hospitality, our emphasis on local culture and sustainable development (Swisstainable Level II), and our desire to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the beauty and spirit of Verbier”. Mission accomplished.

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